one year ago

One year ago today I got a phone call that I will never forget. I was at my parents house working on a project while Ransom took the kids swimming. I got a call from Ransom saying that Conrad almost drowned. I couldn't believe my ears. My mom rushed me to the hospital while I was in a daze. Nothing could have prepared me to see my little boy in the er with all the tubes, doctors and screams coming from him. My heart broke. I just wanted them to tell me everything would be ok but they had no reassuring words for me. My dad gave Conrad a blessing and I felt so at peace and knew Heavenly Father would take care of all of us and get us through this. It was a long few days but he recovered with no problems and was still my happy little boy. We were so incredibly lucky to have my family close by. They took turns having Phoebe sleepover so that I could stay at the hospital with Conrad. They came and cheered us up with visits, hugs and food. I never could have made it through those days without my Heavenly Father, Ransom, my family and Conrad's good attitude. I remember when we came home and every time I heard Conrad laugh I would imagine if it had turned out differently, how empty and quiet our house would feel without that laugh. I am so grateful that it wasn't his time to go because that boy is so special to me and he makes me a better person because he is just so good.

It's a year later now and I'm still just so grateful he is still here with us. We learned a lot through this experience. It's amazing what can happen when you take your eye off them for one second. Whenever there is a drowning on the news, my heart aches for the family because I know that was so close to being our family. We are so incredibly lucky and so happy that he is still our little fish. I don't think he remembers anything before waking up at the hospital. We decided that we wanted to do something every year on this day to give back and show our gratitude for all the help people gave us. This year we decided to meet the lifeguard that saved Conrad's life. Conrad drew her a picture and we met at the pool where it all happened. When she walked in Ransom pointed to her and said, "Conrad that's her." Without hesitation he ran up to her, gave her a big hug and proudly gave her the picture. It was so good to finally meet the girl that saved his life. I will always be grateful to her and she will always have a special place in my heart. I wish there was something I could do to repay her for what she did for our family. We are so incredibly blessed. -Katie

it runs in their blood

When I asked Conrad what he wanted for dinner tonight I was expecting him to ask for a peanut butter and jelly or a cheese sandwich. Instead he told me he wanted a nacho and a burrito from Taco Bell. I told him that I could make him a burrito at home, but he really wanted Taco Bell. We've started paying him a nickel per chore he does so I told him I would take him if he payed for it himself, but that it would take longer for him to buy the super hero he wanted. He ran to his room and grabbed his money. There was no talking him out of it. 

Ransom was gone on a mountain bike ride so I decided we might as well make a fun night out of it. We all got Taco Bell (Conrad payed for his) and we rented a movie at the Red Box. I thought it would be fun to watch Puss in Boots with the kids, but I guess there is also a knock off out there by a different company which is what I rented. It was so so so so so bad. Conrad loved it, but I had to put ear phones on and listen to something else because I could not take it for one more second. I love spending time with these kids and I'm so glad that they love Taco Bell just as much as me! -Katie

Phoebe's favorite snacks

A few months ago Phoebe saw the container with potato pearls and kept pointing at it saying, "nanny". I tried to get her to eat other things that I thought would taste better but she was determined to eat them. I finally gave in and she still asks for them all the time. One day I got so sick of potato pearls all over my floor that I decided to make them mashed potatoes, but she, of course, would not eat them.

For being so tiny she definitely has an appetite when she wants. She loves to eat potato pearls, cheese, yogurt, anything with sugar or chocolate and can sense it a mile away, cereal, beans, cheese, milk (anything liquid is called "wa wa"), orange juice, water, chips, fruit snacks, goldfish crackers, cheese, granola bars, cheese, rice and sometimes grilled cheese sandwiches. She will eat veggies but she usually will not touch fruit. One day she will love something and the next day she is spitting it out like you fed her the most disgusting food. She likes to hold whatever she is eating and bite off of it. If we cut it up for her she usually will not eat it. Other times she eats better when we she sits on our lap and we feed her bites of our food. That usually ends up with her trying to feed us too. I can't figure her out but we sure love her anyways! -Katie

dresses for Phoebe

Last week Phoebe got some beautiful summer dresses in the mail from my Aunt Becky. When I opened the box Phoebe immediately wanted to put a dress on. You could tell she thought she was pretty cool. Then she was ready to try another one on and then the other one. Every time I have tried to take her picture in them she immediately gets grouchy. Sometimes I think she has something against being cooperative so this is the best I could do. Thank you so much Becky. We love them! -Katie

where are they?

This new game of theirs can keep them entertained and happy for longer than most anything. They love it the most when I ask, "Where are they?" and they come running at me and I have to scream in shock. These two do not lack in personality! -Katie

picnic

I was watching Conrad play with a couple friends outside, trying to take advantage of the warm weather. Avery asked if she could grab a blanket for a picnic and before I knew it they were raiding the fridge looking for food. They grabbed lots of fruit and rolls for meat sandwiches (that's what Conrad calls them). It's so fun to see kids come up with ideas together and watch how it all plays out. -Katie

bubbles in the bath

Phoebe has always loved taking baths. This week she pooped in the bath a couple of times and now hates to take a bath and when she is in the bath she "sees" poop everywhere. We've been trying to distract her but nothing has worked. Yesterday I finally thought to pull out the bubbles and that kept her entertained enough that she forgot all about the poop. It's still working like a charm so hopefully her fear of poop in the bath is all gone. I guess we freaked out too much when we saw the poop. Next time we will have to try and be calmer, but that is going to be hard for me! -Katie

best little buddies

Conrad and Phoebe definitely do their fair share of fighting and screaming at each other, but usually they are so sweet together. They love each other so much and are always giving each other hugs & kisses. I could watch them play together all day. -Katie

Conrad reading to Phoebe

taking goofy pictures or listening to music together

taking baths together

dancing together

ghostbusters

Last night we got the kids in bed and had plans to make chocolate malts and watch Ghostbusters. Before we had a chance to start the movie Conrad came out of his room and announced, "The monsters are jumping on my ears and keeping me awake." Ransom and I could not stop laughing. What else was there to do but have him watch the movie with us.

He woke up today wanting to watch the ghost movie. I think we will be watching a lot of Ghostbusters for the next little while. Tonight he came out of his room again saying that the monsters are jumping on his ears again. The excuse didn't work a second time, instead I gave him a toy gun to help keep the monsters away. I love this kid! -Katie

popping bubbles

Conrad and Phoebe are CRAZY about bubbles. We ran out of bubbles for awhile this winter and I don't know what took so long for me to buy more. It is the perfect activity when we are stuck inside all day. I always get lightheaded from blowing before they are even close to getting sick of playing. -Katie